Libertas Chambers

Our barristers have established national and international reputations for their expertise, experience and confidence in Fraud, Financial Services and Business Crime and Compliance – they are consistently ranked as leaders in the field. We advise and represent individuals and entities in relation to financial, regulatory, and fraud investigations in the UK, and overseas. Our clients include financial institutions and corporations, as well as: politicians entrepreneurs company directors and chief executives chartered accountants lawyers IFAs and medical and other professionals We therefore have accumulated experience dealing with the Financial Conduct Authority, Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency, HMRC, National Trading Standards, FACT, as well as other investigating and prosecuting bodies. International Business Crime Many of our cases have an international dimension and we are accordingly experienced dealing with overseas authorities including the US Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission and EU, Indian and Australian authorities. Practitioners specialise in trans-jurisdictional terrorist financing, proscribed wildlife trading, and export control violations. Members of our team have previously worked in the banking and commercial sectors and within their regulatory regimes. Others have had advisory and disciplinary roles regulating the accounting (FRC, ACCA, CIMA) and medical (GMC) sectors.  Some of us prosecute for these agencies as well as defending, and advise on and conduct internal investigations, or act as disclosure counsel. We understand how regulators and prosecution authorities work. Practitioners lecture and advise on corporate responsibility for human rights. We are often involved in an advisory role at the start of regulatory or criminal investigations. Our experience, attention to detail and dedication to our clients assists them in responding appropriately with the object of avoiding prosecution. When proceedings are commenced, we work to ensure that our clients receive the best advice and representation and, most importantly, a fair hearing. Business Crime Conduct Our work covers a wide range of conduct, recently including: Bribery and corruption, including European government officials Cartel Offending Commercial property fraud Corporate compliance with human rights obligations Environmental protection, including carbon credit and land fraud, wildlife trading and international illegal logging EU, National and Devolved Government grant scheme frauds Export Control violations Fraud and cheating in the sports sector (cricket, rugby, horse-racing) Fraudulent trading Insider trading, market manipulation and abuse Insolvency and bankruptcy offending Intellectual property theft Investment (boiler-room) fraud and Ponzi mis-selling Money laundering, restraint orders, confiscation and asset forfeiture Pension mis-selling and liberation frauds Professional discipline Tax Evasion SPV’s inc. film and insurance schemes MTIC & carousel fraud PAYE, payroll and C.I.S. frauds Duty diversions Terrorist financing Trading Standards prosecutions in clothing, energy switching and ticketing sectors Web-site ghosting and internet advance-fee frauds Whistle-blowing and deferred prosecution agreements We advise and represent well-known corporate clients and individuals in sensitive situations with discretion as well as vigour. Please call our Clerking team on 020 7036 0200 to discuss any particular requirements you may have.

Libertas Chambers brings together some of the country’s leading criminal defence specialists, working in London, nationally, and internationally. Our team of accomplished barristers, including renowned King’s Counsel and exceptional juniors, is dedicated to providing unparalleled representation at every level of the criminal justice system. From the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court or the Magistrates’ Courts to the Crown Court, Libertas Chambers is committed to delivering quality and strategic legal advice. Why Choose Libertas Chambers’ Criminal Defence Barristers? Choosing Libertas Chambers means benefiting from our team of leading criminal defence specialists, with a proven track record in handling high-profile cases. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our involvement in landmark cases such as R v Jogee [2016] UKSC 8, and R v Lewis [2017] EWCA Crim 1734. Our barristers bring their wealth of experience to the table, providing expert legal advice and a steadfast dedication to you and your proceedings. Libertas Chambers accepts instructions in both publicly and privately funded work. Our barristers provide specialist and strategic advice at all stages of a criminal case, from pre-charge investigation through to trial and appeal. Our team delivers quality representation at every stage of criminal proceedings. Choosing Libertas Chambers means entrusting your case to skilful legal professionals who set the standard for excellence in criminal defence practice, ensuring that your rights and interests are safeguarded with the utmost determination and diligence Our Criminal Defence Barristers’ Expertise Libertas Chambers takes pride in the diverse experience and expertise of its barristers, who are regularly instructed in key areas of criminal defence practice. Our areas of specialisation include, but are not limited to: Appellate Homicide Corporate manslaughter Terrorism Drug trafficking Serious and organised crime, including corruption and bribery International crime Human trafficking Modern Slavery Fraud Cyber crime Robbery Serious assaults Kidnaping Serious sexual offences Environmental health offences Trading standards prosecutions RSPCA prosecutions Our criminal defence barristers also provide select expert advice to external authorities. They are actively involved in delivering training and lectures on current legal topics to fellow members of the legal profession, experts, and individuals within the broader criminal justice system (and beyond). Contact Libertas Chambers’ Criminal Defence Barristers Libertas Chambers’ experienced criminal defence barristers are here to help if you require expert legal representation in any criminal matter. Our team of leading specialists is committed to providing strategic and high-quality advocacy at every stage of the criminal justice process. Contact us today to discuss your case with a skilled criminal defence barrister. You can call 020 7036 0200 or complete the form on our contact page. Criminal Defence Barrister FAQs Why do I need a criminal defence barrister? Engaging a Libertas Chambers criminal barrister ensures that you have a dedicated legal professional with extensive expertise in criminal defence. Our barristers navigate the complexities of the legal system, providing strategic counsel and robust representation at all stages of your case. What are the main differences between a criminal barrister and a solicitor? While solicitors predominantly handle legal matters outside the courtroom, criminal barristers specialise in advocacy in the court room – working together they prepare and present a case to the court. At Libertas Chambers, our barristers bring a wealth of experience in the intricacies of criminal law, offering specialised expertise and advocacy skills crucial for a robust defence. What is the process of instructing a criminal defence barrister? Instructing a criminal barrister at Libertas Chambers is designed to be accessible, efficient, and tailored to your legal needs. You can instruct any of our criminal defence barristers through your existing solicitor. You can also directly engage some of our experienced barristers through the Public Access Scheme. This scheme allows individuals and organisations to instruct a barrister directly without the need for a solicitor. To initiate the process, you can begin by contacting our experienced clerks, who are adept at guiding clients through the seamless procedure of instructing a Libertas barrister. Our clerks will discuss the details of your case, ensuring that it aligns with the expertise of the most suitable barrister within our chambers. This direct engagement allows for clear communication and a personalised approach to address your legal concerns. Upon confirmation of instruction, your chosen barrister will carefully review the details of your case, providing expert legal advice, strategic planning, and robust representation. Libertas Chambers is committed to delivering exceptional service at every stage of the criminal justice process. The process of instructing a barrister through the Public Access Scheme exemplifies our dedication to accessibility, expertise, and client-focused representation.  

Our members have substantial experience defending individuals and companies in regulatory law matters before professional tribunals or the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) and above. What distinguishes us from other regulatory barristers specialising in regulatory work is that clients will benefit from our skills and experience as criminal advocates. WHAT IS REGULATORY LAW? Many professions are regulated by professional standards boards and codes of conduct. These codes of conduct can be subject to frequent change and are becoming more demanding and sophisticated and, in some cases, opaque. If a regulatory agency believes that offences have taken place, they have broad powers of investigation. They can conduct inspections, seize documents, compel suspects to answer questions, conduct interviews under caution, serve statutory notices, and take enforcement action, including prosecution. If you need help, our regulatory law barristers can provide legal support and representation. REGULATORY LAW OUR BARRISTERS SPECIALISE IN Our members specialise in many areas of regulatory law, including: Professional Discipline Regulatory Prosecutions We can assist with regulatory bodies, including: – The Financial Services Authority – The Health and Safety Executive – Food Standards Agency – The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills – Environment Agency – HM Revenue & Customs WHY CHOOSE OUR REGULATORY BARRISTERS? Contentious regulatory law work often requires a robust defence, strategic advice and preparation, and skilful cross-examination of witnesses. The lack of hard-fought trial experience in some regulatory practitioners means that the witnesses may not be put under the degree of sustained pressure in cross-examination that the client is entitled to and expects. We believe that any individual or corporate entity facing a serious regulatory law accusation is entitled to the same robust defence as a defendant in a criminal case. The consequence of a false regulatory accusation can be just as damaging and life-changing as a false accusation of a criminal offence. Professionals can be vulnerable to malicious complaints. The only way to tackle these successfully is to use the skills honed in the criminal courts to uncover false accusations. We understand that these cases often cross over between criminal, civil, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. We are also very aware of both the commercial and emotional impact these cases can have on clients and have a lot of experience supporting our clients through the challenges. We are also well-versed in working with insurers, unions and defence organisations. The regulatory law team includes trained mediators and members with experience working within the City and in-house with regulators. Contact Our Regulatory Law Barristers If you would like to speak with a member of our team, there are plenty of ways to contact Libertas Chambers. Our clerks will be only too happy to recommend the most appropriate barrister or combination of barristers for each individual case.

There can often be a very thin line between conduct which is criminal in nature or which amounts to commercial fraud only. The correct advice and selecting the right remedy can make all the difference. Some cases are best left to be prosecuted in criminal courts, where the offender faces the prospect of penal consequences. In other cases, seeking remedies in a commercial or a civil court may be more expedient for you to recoup your losses. And then, there are cases where you may want to explore both possibilities simultaneously. Types of Civil Litigation Civil litigation can encompass a broad range of disputes that will directly enact a number of legal matters. A civil litigator will therefore tend to specialise in a specific practice area. Some of the most common types of civil litigation include: disputes and laws that encompass landlords and tenants environmental law products liability intellectual-property disputes construction medical malpractice employment and labour issues anti-trust laws real estate worker’s compensation, and education law Our Civil Litigation Barristers At Libertas, we pride ourselves on having barristers who have vast experience in multiple domains. We can advise you on selecting the correct remedy for your situation. We assist you with advice that lets you form an informed view. Our members routinely provide pre-litigation advice that helps you form a comprehensive legal overview of your situation and the possibilities. Contact Libertas Chambers today to discuss representation for any civil litigation matter.

Libertas Chambers is nationally recognised for defending individual rights and challenging unlawful decisions made by public authorities. Our highly experienced public law and human rights barristers regularly appear in the Administrative Court and Upper Tribunal and international forums. We help our clients pursue public law challenges against all public authorities, including government departments, courts and tribunals, coroners, the police, housing authorities, schools and prisons. Judicial Review Judicial Review proceedings enable challenges to decisions made by Courts and Tribunals, by regulators and by bodies whose public functions impact individuals and companies. This jurisdiction is an essential protection of the individual’s rights against administrative irrationality or excess. We have specialist experience seeking Judicial Review in cases flowing from our other practice areas, challenging decisions in criminal and quasi-criminal investigations. Members have acted for claimants seeking to challenge decisions made by the police, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the Information Commissioner, the Asset Recovery Agency, the Legal Services Commission, the Magistracy, Judges and various Tribunals. These cases have included: challenges to the lawfulness of pre-charge search warrants decisions to prosecute children actions by solicitors resisting Special Procedure search warrants challenges to the legality of the application of the sending procedure by Magistrates Courts preserving the anonymity of young offenders in extreme cases the applicability of the reasonable time requirements in Article 6 to enforcement of Confiscation Proceedings decisions on appellate referral by the CCRC treatment of prisoners and the review of Parole Board decisions. Criminal Trials Within the criminal trial process, our members have expertise at first instance on: domestic appeal and applications in the European Court of Human Rights and the OHCHR challenging a range of human rights violations, as well as the compatibility of primary and secondary legislation with the European Convention for the Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms (ECHR) such as the hearsay provisions in CJA 2003, the reverse burden in s.90 Financial Services Act 2012 the Attorney-General’s exercise of the right of nolle prosequi We act nationally and internationally for people whose human rights are in issue in other forums, including actions against the police, extradition, international law, prisoners’ rights, and at Coronial Inquests. Why Choose Our Human Rights Barristers? As a leading human rights barrister chambers, Libertas Chambers offers unparalleled expertise in public law challenges, international human rights law, and complex judicial reviews.” Libertas Chambers’ members have advised and acted on behalf of individuals, governmental organisations and major NGOs in providing international human rights expertise. Our members provide advice and representation in cases concerning Prison Law, including issues relating to prisoners’ welfare, Parole Board hearings, and the release and recall of prisoners. Coronial Inquests engage the rights of many groups; members have experience representing interested parties, insurers and the families of the deceased. We offer particular expertise where there is a potential engagement of criminal or regulatory proceedings, acting for insurers and their policyholders. If you’re seeking expert advice from experienced public law and human rights barristers, contact Libertas Chambers today to discuss your case. Frequently Asked Questions About Public Law and Human Rights Barristers What is a public law barrister? A public law barrister specialises in cases involving the rights and responsibilities of public authorities, government bodies, and individuals. They help challenge unlawful decisions or actions taken by public entities, often through judicial review proceedings. What does a human rights barrister do? Human rights barristers advocate for individuals or groups whose fundamental rights have been violated. They handle cases involving unlawful detention, discrimination, freedom of expression, or breaches of international human rights conventions like the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). How can Libertas Chambers help with judicial review? Our public law barristers are experienced in judicial review proceedings, helping clients challenge decisions made by public authorities, tribunals, and regulators. We provide expert advice, prepare detailed applications, and represent clients in court to protect their rights and ensure accountability. What types of human rights cases do you handle? Our human rights barristers handle a wide range of cases, including: Violations of prisoners’ rights. Extradition matters. Actions against the police for misconduct. Challenges to legislation or government actions that breach human rights laws. Can you help with international human rights cases? Yes, members of Libertas Chambers are experienced in representing clients in international human rights matters, including applications to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Do you assist with coronial inquests involving human rights issues? Yes, our barristers regularly represent clients in coronial inquests, particularly where human rights issues arise. We act for families, insurers, and other interested parties to ensure fair representation and resolution. Why choose Libertas Chambers for public law and human rights cases? Libertas is a leading public law and human rights barrister chambers. Our members have extensive experience handling complex cases, from judicial reviews to international law disputes. We offer tailored advice, robust representation, and a proven track record of success in defending individual rights. How do I instruct a barrister at Libertas Chambers? You can contact us directly to discuss your case or seek advice on instructing a barrister. If a solicitor represents you, they can also engage one of our members on your behalf.  

The prosecution of alleged criminals for wrongdoing is generally the domain of the Crown and its specialist agencies. But increasing budgetary constraints on investigating and prosecution agencies mean that many miscreants can avoid being held to account in the Criminal Courts for their actions. Why Private Prosecutions? When State prosecutors decide they cannot or will not prosecute, the law allows private individuals to prosecute allegations of wrongdoing. Initiating a private prosecution puts you in court as the prosecutor, adopting the mantle of the prosecution agency. Who Can Bring A Private Prosecution? A private prosecution can be brought by any individual or company – it is not solely an option for the police, CPS or government agency. In the past, private prosecutions were more common among charitable or public interest bodies. But more recently, section 6(1) has been increasingly used by individuals and commercial entities as an alternative to or alongside civil litigation. Which offences can be privately prosecuted? Subject to certain exceptions, private prosecutions can be brought for a wide range of offences where the CPS have not initiated criminal proceedings, including: Fraud Property disputes Assault Sexual offences Harassment Perverting the course of justice Blackmail Manslaughter/murder Private Prosecution Barristers Private prosecutions are a specialist area of the law. The right to prosecute, and seek punishment of offenders, brings with it the responsibility of ensuring a fair trial and the obligation to conform to all the rules applicable to any prosecuting agency. Those rules are often complex and diffuse. At Libertas Chambers, our barristers are experienced in liaising with potential prosecuting authorities and advising how to assemble the best case for the prosecution, taking the case to court and seeking justice, even where the Crown Prosecution Service or other prosecution agencies cannot or will not act. Importantly, this includes continuing advice on the recovery of compensation and some or all of litigation costs from defendants or Central Funds. We start by helping you assess your evidence, advising you on the right forum in which to litigate and on the merits of your case, then working with the best private prosecution solicitors to put together and finally present your case at trial, ensuring continuity of representation and consistency of approach. Members of chambers can offer advice about the particular issues that arise in private prosecutions, including: the prospects of success, applying for and resisting the issue of a summons, applications to the Director of Public Prosecutions to take over and stop a prosecution, presenting and resisting abuse of process arguments recovery of costs. If you would like to find out more information about private prosecutions, please contact our clerks to arrange an initial consultation to discuss the merits of your case.

At Libertas Chambers, our barristers are distinguished experts in international criminal law, specialising in a range of serious international offences, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Our team provides robust representation in international courts and tribunals, offering both advisory and litigious solutions. If you require legal expertise that navigates complex international jurisdictions with precision, contact us today to see how we can assist in your case. Our Expertise in International Criminal Law At Libertas Chambers, we provide specialised legal representation in international criminal law, boasting a team of barristers experienced in high-stakes international cases. Our expertise encompasses a wide range of severe international crimes, such as: Genocide Torture Crimes against humanity War crimes (including cases tried in military tribunals) We are equipped to handle complex legal challenges across various international forums, ensuring meticulous advice, effective advocacy, and dedicated support tailored to each case’s unique demands. Whether navigating international criminal courts or engaging in detailed advisory roles, our barristers are committed to delivering justice and upholding the rule of law globally. Why Choose Our International Criminal Law Barristers? Our barristers at Libertas Chambers bring extensive experience in international criminal law, having represented clients before International Criminal Courts and Tribunals. Their expertise includes complex appeals involving genocide, crimes against humanity, and joint criminal enterprise. Our members’ expertise extends to navigating universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction, transnational human trafficking, statelessness, and citizenship issues. They are adept at advising on complementarity issues in international criminal law investigations, the intersection of domestic criminal law with international crimes, and related matters involving International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and Terrorism as an international crime. Areas of Specialisation International Terrorism Law: Our members have a distinguished record in handling international terrorism cases, representing clients in both domestic and international courts, including trial and appellate levels. Extradition and Financial Crime: We are also recognised for our expertise in extradition law, especially in cases involving multinational financial crimes. Additional International Engagements: Our barristers have contributed their expertise across the Commonwealth and in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, dealing with death penalty cases abroad. We proudly list members who serve at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague, as well as those who have appeared in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

At Libertas Chambers, our Health and Safety barristers provide specialist representation in all aspects of Health and Safety law. We defend both corporate and individual clients facing investigation or prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), local authorities, and other regulatory bodies. We appear regularly in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, Coroner’s Court, and before specialist tribunals. With backgrounds as seasoned criminal advocates, we bring courtroom rigour and strategic clarity to complex regulatory cases. We are trusted to handle the most serious, high-stakes situations where reputations, livelihoods, and even liberty are on the line. Understanding Health and Safety Law and HSE Enforcement Health and Safety law sets out the duties of employers, managers, and organisations to protect employees, contractors, and members of the public. Breaches can result in: Multi-million pound fines for corporate defendants Director disqualification Custodial sentences for individuals Investigations are usually led by the HSE or local authorities. Their powers include site inspections, issuing prohibition or improvement notices, seizing documents, and bringing criminal prosecutions. When to Instruct a Health and Safety Barrister Our barristers provide advice and defence in a wide range of cases, including: HSE prosecution defence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter investigations Defending directors facing personal prosecution or disqualification Appeals against prohibition and improvement notices Workplace fatalities and serious injury cases Strategic advice during HSE interviews under caution Representation at inquests and public inquiries Liaising with insurers, crisis management teams, and company directors We represent individuals, directors, and organisations across all industries. Current Trends in Health and Safety Prosecutions In recent years, the courts have imposed consistently tougher penalties in HSE cases. Fines for large organisations often run into millions of pounds. Directors are increasingly exposed to personal liability, including disqualification and imprisonment. Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety offences (introduced in 2016) have led to higher penalties, with courts assessing culpability, risk of harm, and the turnover of the business. Our barristers stay at the forefront of these developments, ensuring our clients receive up-to-date, strategic advice. Why Choose Libertas Chambers Health and Safety cases demand speed, strategy, and robust advocacy. Investigations often move quickly and attract significant media attention. Unlike some regulatory specialists, our barristers are experienced criminal advocates, skilled in cross-examination and challenging the prosecution’s evidence. We combine courtroom confidence with commercial awareness, ensuring the best possible defence. Our members also bring expertise in related areas such as environmental enforcement, civil litigation, employment law, and public inquiries. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures no issue is overlooked. Representation at Inquests and Public Inquiries We act for companies, directors, families, and public bodies at inquests following workplace fatalities. Our barristers handle these sensitive proceedings with discretion, professionalism, and a focus on protecting reputational and legal interests. We also represent clients at public inquiries, guiding them through complex procedures with clarity and authority. CONTACT OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY BARRISTERS If you are facing an HSE investigation, prosecution, or inquest following a workplace incident, we can help. Our clerks are available to recommend the most suitable barrister or team for your case. Health and Safety Law FAQs What penalties can result from a breach of Health and Safety law? Fines can reach millions of pounds. Directors may face disqualification or, in the most serious cases, imprisonment. When should I instruct a Health and Safety barrister? As soon as you receive an enforcement notice, an invitation to an HSE interview under caution, or become aware of an investigation. Early advice is critical. Do you defend directors personally? Yes. We defend directors and managers facing personal liability, prosecution, disqualification orders, and even custodial risk. What are the latest sentencing trends in HSE cases? Since the Sentencing Guidelines were introduced, penalties have increased dramatically. Courts are handing down consistently higher fines and tougher sentences for both organisations and individuals. Can a director go to prison for health and safety breaches? Yes. Directors can face custodial sentences if found personally responsible for serious breaches, particularly in cases of corporate manslaughter or gross negligence. How do the Health and Safety Sentencing Guidelines affect my case? The Guidelines require courts to consider culpability, risk of harm, and the organisation’s turnover. This often results in higher fines and more severe penalties than before 2016. Do you provide national coverage? Yes. Libertas Chambers barristers represent clients in courts, tribunals, inquests, and inquiries across England and Wales.